A COLCHESTER-based business is celebrating 15 years in the industry.

Total Merchandise, suppliers of promotional merchandise, has its headquarters at Severalls Business Park.

The team includes about 40 members of staff, with founders David Stoddart, Michelle Rae Stoddart and Jason O’Connor all still at the heart of the brand.

Total Merchandise was launched in September 2004 when stationery salesman David partnered with Jason, who ran a music magazine.

David said: “We decided to print some t-shirts with our own designs, which ended up being stocked in HMV. “This gave us the buzz for printing, which alongside our experience of promotions led to Total Merchandise launching.”

Michelle, who worked as an accountant, quickly gave up her full-time role in order to join Jason and David.

The team moved into an office in Little Braxted once it started to expand and after outgrowing that space they moved to a subsequent larger office nearby, before moving to an office on Severalls Business Park in 2016.

Total Merchandise has also played a role within the community, working with charities including Colchester Rough Sleepers Group and Essex Air Ambulance.

To celebrate the company’s 15th birthday, the Total Merchandise team is offering customers a 15 per cent discount.

Jason said: “There have been so many milestones over the past 15 years - hitting our first million, hitting £10 million, moving into our newest office space.

"I am really excited about what the future holds for us as a company."